Slipping Deeper into the Right-Wing Abyss: Unraveling the Sly Propaganda of Fox News
As a woman who once wallowed in the murky depths of Christian-nationalist extremism, I must admit I bear a unique perspective. I confess having been seduced by Fox News and its far-right narrative, a siren song coaxing us into a fevered strain of Christianity that reeks of exclusion, paranoia, and the lust for a theocracy. It deeply distresses me now to witness the unabated march of these dangerous ideas, a distorted reflection of what I was, fueled by outlets such as Fox News.
Take a cursory glance at these sensational recent headlines. "Democrat gov addresses investigation into infamous scandal-ridden 'worst mayor in America'" – a clear example of their strategy to paint Democratic officials with broad, vilifying strokes. This inflammatory rhetoric generates an us-versus-them narrative, fostering division, and furthermore sends an implicit message supporting authoritarian theocratic governance, where those not in line with the hateful Christian-nationalist agenda are the 'worst'.
The second headline, "City's top cop confronts fears the Democratic convention will trigger 'civil unrest'", builds upon this narrative by painting a vivid image of chaos resulting from the democratic process. The insinuation? Theocratic rule would bring order, maintaining the peace. However, this 'peace' would come at the expense of marginalized groups as well as the foundational American principle of freedom of speech!
Even seemingly unrelated pieces, such as "'Seinfeld' star says political correctness complaints actually mean something else", have their place in this propaganda. This rhetoric subtly suggests that advocating for respectful discourse is an attack on cherished values - a distortion designed to make its audience wary of progress, acceptance, and kindness.
These powerfully woven narratives represent just pieces of a more significant fear-mongering mission targeting the rich who stand to gain from such an autocratic rule and the masses disgusted by the idea of an inclusive society. These crafted agendas seek to create a reality in which LGBTQ individuals, racial and religious minorities, immigrants - essentially anyone viewed as a perceived enemy to an extreme ideal - are threatened, marginalized, and pushed into the shadows, creating an American theocracy.
Donald Trump, the poster child for the very hatred and division they espouse, features heavily in such headlines. "Trump says Biden should take two tests before they meet on a debate stage” attempts to establish a narrative of intellectual superiority and rightful leadership. It aligns disconcertingly with the theocratic dreams of rich elites and Christian-nationalists keen on installing Trump as their deity while dismantling democratic institutions.
As we watch this seemingly inevitable tidal wave of extremism, we must resist being swept away in its ruthless current. We must strive for empathy, compassion, and religious puralism. As we pull back the veil on Fox News and the like, we must not lose sight of the true enemy: hate.